Plumeria is a small- to medium-sized landscape tree prized for its large clusters of leaves and fragrant flowers that bloom in a range of colors. When your plumeria’s leaves curl, it usually means you have a problem with the plant’s health. Insect pests and plumeria rust are the most common causes of plumeria leaf curl, but if you catch the problem early enough, you can save the plant and prevent further infection or infestation.
Aphids are small yellow, brown, green, black or red insects that suck the water and nutrients from the leaves of your plumeria, and this can cause leaves to curl. Other signs of aphid infestation include small moving dots on the leaves, and wilting or yellowing of the leaves as they are deprived of nutrients. The secretions left on the plants by the aphids can also attract molds. While small infestations cause little damage to your plant’s overall health, long-term or heavy infestations can lead to defoliation and plant death.
Spider mites may be red, brown, green, or black depending on the species and growth stage of the insect. They bite holes into the plumeria’s leaves and suck out the sap which contains nutrients the plant needs to survive. Typically the leaves will turn yellow and then fall from the tree, but prior to that, you may notice they appear mottled and curled under. You may also see webs if the plant is infested with spider mites.
Aphids and spider mites are a common pest for many plants, and there is a range of insecticidal soaps and pesticides available to control them. If your plumeria is infested with aphids, spray the underside of the infested leaves with a pesticide or insecticidal soap labeled for use with plumerias. You may have to repeat applications every two to three weeks until there are no signs of aphids remaining. To control spider mites, apply a forceful spray of water to the infested area. Regular applications of insecticidal soaps can control heavy infestations. When using any pesticide product, read the label first for specific instructions and precautions before application.
Curled leaves can indicate plumeria rust, which is caused by the pathogen Coleosporium plumeriae. Infected plumeria shows several tiny, raised, yellow-orange, powdery rust pustules on the undersides of the leaves. Heavily diseased plants may also have pustules on the upper leaf surface that correspond with the lesions bearing the spores on the undersides of the leaves. The pathogen does not affect stems or flowers, and spores are easily rubbed off the leaves. As the yellow lesions remain on the leaves, they enlarge and join, turning into sunken, angular gray-to-brown areas. Severely diseased leaves dry, curl and fall off. Remove infected leaves, pick up fallen leaves, and dispose of them far away from the plants to control the disease. Keep the soil around your plants dry to reduce the risk of future infections by planting plumerias with adequate spacing to allow proper air flow. Use a fungicide labeled for use with plumeria plants to treat rust infections, but read the label, and follow the instructions for application.
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